Chargers add Guyton, Brinkley; place 2 on IR

The Chargers, possibly down two of their top options, needed help at inside linebacker.

They signed some Wednesday.

Veteran linebacker Gary Guyton joined the 53-man roster with a one-year deal, part of an active morning that saw two Chargers placed on season-ending injured reserve. Another move is expected to come Thursday when linebacker Phillip Dillard, a 2010 Giants fourth-round draft choice, is officially added to the practice squad.

"Our coaches are working hard with him to get him ready," coach Norv Turner said.

Donald Butler, the starter at the "Mo" weak-inside linebacker spot, missed the past two games with a groin injury and is expected to be sidelined a third. Demorrio Williams, at the same position, injured his ankle Sunday against the Steelers. His status this weekend is unclear.

Neither practiced Wednesday.

Guyton started 32 of 60 career games with the Patriots between 2008 and 2011. In 2009, he made 16 starts, setting career highs with 55 solo tackles and 30 assists.

He spent training camp with the Dolphins. The Cowboys signed him Nov. 7 and released him Nov. 10. Guyton flew into San Diego on Tuesday night.

"When my number is called, be ready," Guyton said. "That's what I was always told."

Brinkley is back after his Nov. 28 release. He offers depth with Ronnie Brown recovering from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss Wednesday's practice.

Stuckey, the Chargers' special teams captain, aggravated a hamstring injury against the Steelers. Martin, their starting left defensive end, injured his groin during pre-game warmups. Rookie Kendall Reyes started for Martin and is expected to remain in the role for the rest of the season.

Dillard played three career defensive snaps with the Giants. He was with the Panthers early in the spring but was cut in May. This will be his first NFL opportunity since.